En Route to Mexico City

About to head to the airport for an impromptu trip to Mexico City!  The plane fare was so good that I couldn't pass up the chance to visit with some of my very best friends from college.  Crossing my fingers for an easy, relaxed travel experience.

Let me know if you've ever been to Mexico City and if you have any recommendations!

Fashion Fundamental: Riding Boots - Boots are a staple in my fall and winter wardrobe. I wear 'em with anything from silky, feminine blouses to jeans and dresses.

Headband: JCrew
Earrings: Kate Spade | similar
Sunnies: Maui Jim | shop
Top: JCrew | similar with a hood
Bottoms: Gap | shop
Boots: Frye | shop
Lips: Revlon Lip Butter in Lollipop | shop

Halogen Ponte Pencil Skirt

I'm a little bummed that this is likely the last time this season that I'll be rocking bare legs; after some mild 60 degree weather, it's suddenly freezing in the Midwest!

On to the skirt, I am a huge fan of this skirt; I like the bold pattern in a classic color combo;  it's currently only $19.97--65% off.  That's better than Forever 21 pricing!

Fit: Fits fairly well.  Slight gap in the waist, but I feel like if I sized down, then the skirt would be slightly too short.
Quality: Unlined. This skirt is made of a rayon/polyester/spandex blend and is thus machine washable. The material feels sturdy and well-made.
Price: Originally $59. I actually purchased for $34, and noticed that it was marked down to $19.97.  As always, Nordstrom has excellent customer service (I love their Live Chat feature... no messing around with automated systems for a simple price adjustment).
Bottom Line: Definitely recommended because it's super comfortable, stretchy, and fits well.  A lot of pencil skirts can be very structured and uncomfortable, but I think the ponte material and stretchiness really help keep you comfy, though if you hate an unlined skirt, this might not be right for you.


Sunnies: Maui Jim | shop
Cardigan: JCrew | similar
Top: JCrew | similar in fuchsia
Skirt: Halogen via Nordstrom ($59 $19.97) | shop
Heels: Ann Taylor | shop
Lips: Revlon Lip Butter in Berry Smoothie | shop

Wear it Both Ways: Lands' End Camel Cardigan

I was inspired by our lovely and stylish guest posters, Callie  of Coffee and Cardigans & Psyche of Economy of Style to bring you all another episode of Wear it Both Ways.

Fashion Fundamental: Cardigan - I love a great cardigan, and I love 'em in every single color.  Lately, I can't stop wearing the Heritage Cardigan by Lands' End Canvas {here, here, & here}.  I really love cardigans because sometimes a look just consisting of two pieces--a shirt and jeans for instance, looks a little incomplete.  Adding another layer (or two) makes the look feel a lot more styled and put together.

We really enjoyed featuring fellow bloggers rocking one piece in two different ways, so if you'd like to be featured on Jane Squared's Wear it Both Ways series, shoot us a message.  Even if you don't have a blog, feel free to reach out; we'd love to hear from you! :)

Boots: Melissa Button, Frye | shop

Necklace: JCrew Outlet | similar

Shirt: Hollister | similar
Jeans: Pac Sun | similar

Boots: Melissa Button, Frye | shop

Shirtdress: Lands' End Canvas | shop

Cardigan: Lands' End Canvas | similar

Necklace: JCrew Outlet | similar

Belt: JCrew | similar
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | shop

Nails: Brisbane Bronze, OPI | similar

Wear it Both Ways: The City Mini Meets Cardi

I've mentioned several times that I think it's important for your wardrobe to be versatile, remixable, and appropriate for all of the occasions in your life.

Our Wear It Both Ways series--where we style 1 piece 2 ways will definitely--become a regular Jane Squared feature.

Wear it Both Ways {LWD & a statement necklace}


Cardigan: Gap | similar
T-shirt: Uniqlo | similar
Striped Tank: F21 | similar
Necklace: Vintage | similar
Sandals: Target | similar
Peep-toes: Hidi, Naturalizer | shop
Skirt: City Mini, JCrew | shop
Sunnies: Maui Jim | shop
Lips: Revlon | shop

Urban Outfitters' Staring at Stars Color Pop Embroidered Sundress

Remember this dress from Anthropologie I had my eye on?  Unfortunately, that one didn't work out; plus, it was an expensive $119 for a low quality piece.

I'm apparently attracted to this kind of colorful embroidery, so when I was browsing Urban Outiiftters online, this dress caught my eye... at a much more reasonable $29.99 (F21 & Target pricing FTW!) down from $69, I couldn't resist picking it up.  Also, UrbanOutfitters.com also offers free return shipping for US customers, so I definitely didn't have anything to lose.

Check out how I styled this little dress for a night out here.  Happy Monday!

Sunnies: Cliff House, Maui Jim | shop
Bag: Target | similar
Dress: Urban Outfitters | shop - also styled here
Top: JCrew | shop
Bangles: Taiwan & LOFT | similar
Belt: Taiwan | similar
Lips: Lip&Line in Vintage Rose, Pixi | shop
Flats: F21 (old)


Linked up at the Monday Mingle.

Skater Dress

This flirty, feminine frock is perfect for a dinner date or casual night out.  I forgot to get photos of the back of this dress; it features a really pretty v-neck back.  I thought that was a nice design detail, especially from a F21 dress.

If you like this dress silloheutte, then I highly recommend checking out the selection of "skater dresses"on ASOS.

Check out a few other looks that are great for a night on the town: {1, 2, 3}.

Sunnies: Maui Jim | shop
Necklace: So Good | similar
Dress: F21 (recent) | shop similar
Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs - check out our review | shop
Shoes: Banana Republic | similar
Lips: Revlon Lip Butter in Lollipop | shop


Linked up to the Tiny Heart, Two Thirty-Five Designs, & All Things Chic.

Navy & White Stripes

Happy Labor Day if you're off from work or school today!  Labor day marks the end of summer, but the weather in the Midwest apparently doesn't agree.

It's still hot and humid here, so I'm definitely dressing for the weather, not the calendar. :)

Sunnies: Maui Jim | shop
Necklace: So Good | similar
Cardigan: Gap | similar
Dress: Sleeveless Striped Dress, Lands' End Canvas ($60 $24.99) | shop - last styled here.
Shoes: Hidi, Naturalizer | shop
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | shop
Lips: Color Burst Lip Butter in Lollipop, Revlon | shop

Linked up to Real Girl Glam & What I Wore Wednesday.

Relaxed Classics

Ah man, we're so close to the holiday weekend! Oh and this is weird, I'm wearing a Uniqlo shirt...
I love this button up - it makes me feel polished, but still relaxed and casual.

Do you follow the 'no white rule' post Labor Day? Pshh -- not a faux pas says Jane. Wear what you want when you want!

School buses are everywhere, pools are closing, and I'm dreaming of sweater vests, trench coats, and boots. Are you ready for fall?

Have a great holiday weekend!

Shades: Maui Jim | shop
Top: Women's Oxford Long Sleeve Shirt, Uniqlo $29.90 | shop in stores or at Lands' End Canvas
Shorts:  AE Dark Denim Midi Short | shop
Shoes: Chuck Taylor Laceless Slip-Ons in Charcoal, Converse | shop

Linked up at Two Thirty-Five Designs.

Follow Jane Squared on Blog Lovin'.

Monochromatic: shades of blue

Keeping things fun and casual with these shades of blue and navy.

In other news, remember when I said I was sad about the olympics being over?  Well, now I don't have anything to watch.  I must confess a weakness for USA network shows... White Collar, Suits, and Burn Notice are some of my faves.  What are you watching post-olympics?

Sunnies: Maui Jim | shop
Necklace: So Good - last seen here
Shirt: China
Blazer: Gap | similar
Belt: JCrew | similar for $10
Shorts: Gap | shop - also styled here
Shoes: Target | shop


Also linked up at the Pleated Poppy.